What is VITA 90-VNX+?
VNX+ (VITA 90) is a next‑generation small‑form‑factor (SFF) standard for rugged embedded systems that extends the earlier VNX (VITA 74) concept with higher‑performance interconnects, optional blind‑mate optical and RF/coax apertures, and OpenVPX‑style control/data planes—all within a much smaller footprint. The standard defines compact plug‑in modules and backplanes intended for SWaP‑constrained edge deployments and is now covered in the latest SOSA® Technical Standard snapshot, enabling MOSA‑friendly design and upgrade paths.
Key Features
Big Capability in a Tiny Footprint
Delivers nearly all the technical features of 3U OpenVPX in a form factor ~30% of the size per slot, ideal where VPX won’t fit.
High‑Bandwidth I/O
Supports blind‑mate optical MT and coax connectors alongside high‑speed copper planes for dense sensor, radio, and video paths in minimal volume.
SOSA Alignment
VNX+ content was significantly expanded in SOSA Edition 2 (Snapshot 2, 2024), so suppliers and integrators can build conformant modules/backplanes.
Applications
Ground Vehicles (Crewed & Autonomous)
Situational awareness, APS, SIGINT/EW, SDR, network processors—where volume, weight, and power are constrained yet performance is critical.
UxVs & Pods
Pod‑mounted sensor processors and small UAV/UxV payloads where cylindrical diameters or fuselage volume preclude VPX.
C5ISR Edge Nodes
Radar, EO/IR, comms, and directed‑energy support within SOSA®‑aligned architectures.
Space‑Constrained and Man‑Wearable Systems
Small aerial platforms, C5ISR pods, spacecraft, and man‑wearable computing.
Edge AI & Vision
SFF mission computers with GPU/MPSoC acceleration for perception, fusion, and inference tasks at the tactical edge.
Atrenne: How We Help You Succeed with VNX+
Rugged Chassis & Thermal Design
Engineering of SFF and ATR‑class enclosures appropriate to VNX+ envelopes, with thermal options including Air Flow Through, Air‑Over‑Conduction, and liquid cooling to manage higher power densities.
Backplanes & Signal Integrity
Custom backplanes that implement VNX+ profile templates and high‑speed connector stacks, with careful attention to reference clocks, PI/SI, and manufacturability—building on our backplane portfolio in OpenVPX/SOSA programs.
System Integration
Integration of COTS/ compute (x86/ARM/GPU/FPGA), switching, PNT, storage, and chassis management; lab‑to‑field workflows that mirror our OpenVPX and SOSA integration experience.
Lifecycle & MOSA Alignment
Sustainment, obsolescence planning, and upgrade roadmaps aligned to SOSA/MOSA principles to minimize redesign and preserve interoperability across architectures (VNX+, OpenVPX, VME, CompactPCI).
